Personal safety device, method and article

ABSTRACT

A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions, which cause control circuitry integrated into an article of clothing to perform a method. The method includes processing indications related to an environment of the article of clothing and activating, based on the processing of the one or more indications, pulsing circuitry integrated into the article of clothing to pulse in a selected pattern of a plurality of patterns. The plurality of patterns include patterns to indicate: location information related to one or more individuals; movement information related to one or more individuals; information related to one or more hazards in a vicinity of the wearer of the article of clothing; information providing instructions to the wearer of the article of clothing; and information indicative of whether one or more individuals have been determined to be a friend or a foe of a wearer of the article of clothing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit to U.S. application Ser. No.16/660,639 filed on Oct. 22, 2019 which claims the benefit of Ser. No.15/543,198 filed Jul. 12, 2017, which claims the benefit toPCT/US2015/064080 filed Dec. 4, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/102,924 filed Jan. 13, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No.62/109,414 filed Jan. 29, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/160,824 filed May 13, 2015, which applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to personal safety devices, methods andarticles, such as articles of clothing and personal safety devices,which may be used, for example, to enhance personal safety.

Description of the Related Art

Currently, bicyclist, motorcyclist, pedestrians and police officers havelimited ways to signal their presence and intended activities tomotorists and others. Hand signaling, and, in the case of motorcyclist,conventional turn signals may be employed. Similarly, bicyclist,motorcyclist, pedestrians and police officers have limited ways todetect the presence and intended activities of motorists, and of otherbicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and police officers.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a system comprises: an article of clothing; anduser-protection circuitry, integrated into the article of clothing, theuser-protection circuitry including: condition-detection circuitry,which, in operation, generates one or more indications related to anenvironment of the article of clothing; broadcast circuitry; and controlcircuitry, which, in operation, activates the broadcast circuitry basedon the one or more indications related to the environment of the articleof clothing generated by the condition-detection circuitry. In anembodiment, the system comprises a wireless interface. In an embodiment,the system comprises a control terminal, which, to operation, transmitscontrol signals to the user-protection circuitry. In an embodiment, thecontrol circuitry configures the user-protection circuitry based onreceived control signals. In an embodiment, the broadcast circuitrycomprises one or more of: one or more displays; one or more lightemitting diodes (LEDs); one or more pulsers; one or more lasers; and oneor more speakers. In an embodiment, the broadcast circuitry, inoperation, silently broadcasts information to a wearer of the article ofclothing. In an embodiment, the broadcast circuitry includes one or morepulsers and silently broadcasts information to a wearer of the articleof clothing by activating the one or more pulsers. In an embodiment,activating one or more pulsers comprises activating the one or morepulsers in a pattern indicating to a wearer of the article of clothingat least one of: identification information related to one or moreindividuals; location information related to one or more individuals;motion information related to one or more individuals; informationrelated to one or more hazards in a vicinity of or approaching thewearer of the article of clothing; and information providinginstructions to the wearer of the article of clothing. In an embodiment,the identification information indicates whether the one or moreindividuals have been determined to be a friend or a foe of the wearer.In an embodiment, the condition-detection circuitry comprises one ormore of: an accelerometer; a braking-condition sensor; a temperaturesensor; a MEMS device; a microphone; a switch; a pulse-detector; animage capture device; and a communication interface. In an embodiment,the system comprises: a second article of clothing, which, in operation,communicatively couples to the user-protection circuitry. In anembodiment, the second article of clothing comprises at least one of:condition-detection circuitry, which, in operation, generate one or moreindications related to an environment of the second article of clothing;and broadcast circuitry. In an embodiment, the article of clothing isworn by a first user and the user-protection circuitry coordinatesbroadcasting of information with user-protection circuitry of anotherarticle of clothing worn by a second user. In an embodiment, thebroadcast circuitry, in operation, broadcasts, one or more of: a symbolindicating a braking condition of a wearer of the article of clothing; asymbol indicating a turning direction of the wearer of the article ofclothing; a visual indication of a hazard; an indication of tracking ofan approaching hazard; a symbol indicating a stop condition;instructions to one or more individuals approaching a wearer of thearticle of clothing.

In an embodiment, an article of clothing comprises: means for generatingone or more indications related to an environment of the article ofclothing; means for broadcasting information; and means for controllingthe means for broadcasting information based on the generated one ormore indications related to the environment of the article of clothing.In an embodiment, the means for broadcasting information broadcasts theinformation to the wearer of the article of clothing. In an embodiment,the means for broadcasting information comprises one or more of: one ormore displays; one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs); one or morepulsers; one or more lasers; and one or more speakers. In an embodiment,the means for broadcasting broadcasts information indicating one or moreof: identification information related to one or more individuals;location information related to one or more individuals; informationrelated to one or more hazards; information providing directions orinstructions to a wearer of the article of clothing; information to oneor more individuals approaching the wearing of the article of clothingrelated to the environment of the article of clothing. In an embodiment,the indications related to the environment of the article of clothingindicate one or more of: a speed of a vehicle associated with a wearerof the article of clothing; a slowing of the vehicle; and an intendedcourse of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, a method comprises: generating one or more controlsignals indicative of an environment of an article of clothing; andcontrolling user-protection circuitry embedded in the article ofclothing based on the generated one or more control signals. In anembodiment, the method comprises generating at least one of the one ormore control signals using a sensor embedded in the article of clothing.In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving a communication via acommunication interface embedded in the article of clothing, wherein atleast one of the one or more control signals is generated based on thereceived communication. In an embodiment, the received communication isa wireless communication received via a wireless communication interfaceembedded in the article of clothing. In an embodiment, theuser-protection circuitry includes broadcast circuitry and the methodcomprises configuring the broadcast circuitry based on received controlsignals. In an embodiment, controlling the user-protection circuitrycomprises one or more of: displaying information on a display;activating one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs); activating one ormore pulsers; activating one or more lasers; and broadcasting audio onone or more speakers. In an embodiment, controlling the user-protectioncircuitry comprises silently broadcasting information to a wearer of thearticle of clothing. In an embodiment, the broadcast circuitry includesone or more pulsers and the controlling the user-protection circuitrycomprises activating the one or more pulsers in a pattern indicating toa wearer of the article of clothing at least one of: identificationinformation related to one or more individuals; location informationrelated to one or more individuals; information related to one or morehazards in a vicinity of the wearer of the article of clothing; andinformation providing instructions to the wearer of the article ofclothing. In an embodiment, the method comprises broadcastinginformation indicating whether one or more individuals have beendetermined to be a friend or a foe of a wearer of the article ofclothing. In an embodiment, the generating one or more control signalscomprises one or more of: generating an indication of an acceleration;detecting a braking-condition; sensing a temperature; receiving motioninformation from a MEMS device; receiving sound information from amicrophone; receiving a signal from a switch; detecting a pulse;receiving signals from an image capture device; and receiving signalsfrom a communication interface. In an embodiment, the method comprises:communicatively coupling user-protection circuitry of the article ofclothing to user-protection circuitry of another article of clothing. Inan embodiment, the another article of clothing comprises at least oneof: condition-detection circuitry, which, in operation, generate one ormore indications related to an environment of the second article ofclothing; and broadcast circuitry. In an embodiment, the article ofclothing is worn by a first user and the user-protection circuitrycoordinates broadcasting of information with user-protection circuitryof another article of clothing worn by a second user. In an embodiment,the user-protection circuitry, in operation, broadcasts, one or more of:a symbol indicating a braking condition of a wearer of the article ofclothing; a symbol indicating a turning direction of the wearer of thearticle of clothing; a visual indication of a hazard; an indication oftracking of an approaching hazard; a symbol indicating a stop condition;instructions to one or more individuals approaching a wearer of thearticle of clothing. In an embodiment, an article of clothing comprisesuser protection circuitry configured to implement any of the methodsdescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of an environment suitable for providinga protective device to a person.

FIG. 2 is an example embodiment of an environment suitable for providinga protective device to a person.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a system of aprotective device.

FIGS. 4 to 4F are a flow diagram of an embodiment of a user-protectiondevice manager routine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of devices,systems, methods and articles. However, one of skill in the art willunderstand that other embodiments may be practiced without thesedetails. In other instances, well-known structures and methodsassociated with, for example, display devices, pulsing devices, RFIDdevice, controllers, clothing, etc., such as transistors, integratedcircuits, etc., have not been shown or described in detail in somefigures to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of theembodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as“comprising,” and “comprises,” are to be construed in an open, inclusivesense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily referring to the same embodiment, or to all embodiments.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments to obtainfurther embodiments.

The headings are provided for convenience only, and do not interpret thescope or meaning of this disclosure.

The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elementsand angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements areenlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, theparticular shapes of the elements as drawn are not necessarily intendedto convey any information regarding the actual shape of particularelements, and have been selected solely for ease of recognition in thedrawings.

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a system 100to provide and operate a protective device, such as an article ofclothing. As illustrated, the system 100 includes a protective device ina form of an article of clothing 102, such as, for example, a jacket,vest, shirt, pants, shorts, hat, etc., which may be worn by a user, avehicle 130, such as a bicycle, a motorcycle, etc., which the user mayoperate, a smart phone 160, a control terminal 180, which may be, forexample, integrated into the article of clothing 102 or communicativelycoupled to the article of clothing 102, and a remote server 190.Embodiments of the system 100 may include more than one of the variousillustrated components, may include additional components, or may notinclude all of the illustrated components. For example, some embodimentsmay not include a vehicle 130 or a remote server 190, some embodimentsmay combine the functionality of the control terminal 180 and thevehicle 130, some embodiments may employ multiple smart phones 160, someembodiments may include a card reader (not shown), etc., and variouscombinations thereof.

One or more communication links 114 communicatively couple thecomponents of the system 100 to each other. The communication links 114may be wired or wireless communication links (e.g., POTS links, Internetlinks, GSM links, LTE links, LAN links, 802.11n links, short distancecommunication links (e.g. Bluetooth™), etc.), and various combinationsthereof. For example, as illustrated the article of clothing 102 iscoupled to the control terminal 180 through a wired and a wireless link114, and to a smart phone 160 through a short distance communicationlink. The communication links are not limited to the illustrated links.For example, the remote server 190 may communicate with the article ofclothing 102 through communication links with the smart phone 160.

The article of clothing 102 as illustrated includes a processor P, amemory M, discrete circuitry DC, a controller 104, an interface I, oneor more broadcast devices 106, as illustrated a display, a speaker and aphysical stimulation device, such as a pulser (e.g., a device whichgenerates a repetitive pulse for a short duration of time), a sensor Sand a power system 110. As discussed in more detail elsewhere, thecontroller 104 of the article of clothing 102 controls the broadcastdevices 106, to broadcast messages, such as international trafficsignals, intended actions, warning indicators, lights, pulses, etc., andvarious combinations thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the oneor more broadcast devices 106 may provide audio and physical (e.g.,vibrations, pulses, etc.), in addition to or instead of videofunctionality, and various combinations thereof. The sensor S may senseindications of, for example, a deceleration, an approaching vehicle orperson, a vehicle, person or object in a path of the user,identification information or the lack thereof, sensed, transmitted orread from another person, vehicle or device, etc., and variouscombinations thereof. The sensor S may comprise one or more of an imagecapture device, an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, an accelerometer,and RFID tag reader, etc., and various combinations thereof. Asdiscussed in more detail elsewhere herein, the controller 104 maycontrol the one or more broadcast devices 106 based on sensedindications from the sensor S.

As discussed in more detail elsewhere, the controller 104 may beimplemented, for example, by executing instructions stored in the memoryM on the processor P, by using state machines or logic implemented, forexample, with discrete circuitry DC, by using look-up tables, etc., andvarious combinations thereof. Embodiments of the article of clothing 102may include additional components, may not include all of theillustrated components, etc., and various combinations thereof. Forexample, some embodiments of the article of clothing 102 may comprisemultiple broadcast devices 106 (e.g., multiple displays, speakers,pulsers, etc.), multiple interfaces I, multiple sensors S, etc., andvarious combinations thereof. Embodiments may employ personal lightedsafety technology and personally customizable visual, audio and physicalbroadcast system technology to uses in an article of clothing orpersonal protection device.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a second article ofclothing 102 b, which may have a similar configuration as the article ofclothing 102 and may share other components with the article of clothing102, or employ separate components (e.g., the second article of clothing102 b may have a separate controllers or may be controlled by thecontroller 104 of the article of clothing 102). As illustrated, thesystem 100 also includes a third article of clothing 102 c, which has abroadcast device in a form of a display 106 c integrated therein.Communication links 114 couple the third article of clothing 102 c tothe first article of clothing 102, which controls operation of thedisplay 106 c. For example, the system may have a first article ofclothing, such as a jacket, with an integrated display, such as an LCDscreen, and a second article of clothing, such as a pair of pants, withan integrated display, such as a set of LEDs, with the first article ofclothing having a controller configured to control operation of the LCDscreen and the set of LEDs.

The vehicle 130 may facilitate the operation of the article of clothing102, such as by providing control signals, power, etc., and variouscombinations thereof. For example, the vehicle 130 may provide power tothe article of clothing 102 through one or more wired or wireless links114. As illustrated, the vehicle includes a processor P, a memory M,discrete circuitry DC, a controller 104 b, an application APP and aninterface I.

The control terminal 180 may be employed to facilitate configuringand/or controlling the article of clothing 102. For example, to createor modify a list of symbols available for display, to create or modifyschedules of displays, such as flashing schedules, brightness levels,pulsing patterns, identification information (e.g., friend or foeidentification codes), maximum and minimum volume levels, etc., andvarious combinations thereof.

As discussed in more detail herein, a user (such as a person wearing thearticle of clothing 102), may use an application, as illustrated an APPinstalled on the mobile phone 160 or the vehicle 130, to configure theone or more broadcast devices 106, for example to select symbols to bedisplayed by the display. For example, a user may download and installan application APP on the smart phone 160 which allows the user select asymbol for displaying from a list of symbols. The controller 104 of thearticle of clothing 102 may respond to an indication of a selection froman APP by displaying the symbol using the display 106, etc.

The following discussion provides a brief, general description of asuitable computing environment in which the embodiments described hereinmay be implemented. Although not required, various embodiments will bedescribed in the general context of computer-executable instructions,such as program application modules, objects, or macros being executedby one or more electronic devices, such as a smart phone, a vehicle, acontrol terminal, a personal computer, a server, etc., and variouscombinations thereof. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat various embodiments can be practiced with other computing systemconfigurations, including other handheld devices, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,networked personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers,virtual systems, and the like. Various embodiments can be practiced indistributed computing environments where tasks or modules are performedby remote processing devices, which are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an environment 200 that may be employed tofacilitate providing protective clothing as described herein. Theenvironment 200 includes a computing system 10. For example, thecomputing system 10 may be configured as a display imbedded in anarticle of clothing, a smart phone, a control terminal, a local server,a host server, a communications server, etc. The computing system 10may, for example, be operated by a user of a protective device, such asa user wearing an article of clothing, by a user to configure aprotective device, such as an article of clothing, by a vendor of aprotective device, such as a clothing provider, etc. The computingsystem 10 may take the form of any of the variety of types discussedabove, which may run a networking client, for example a server, a Webbrowser, an application, etc. The computing system 10 comprises aprocessor unit 12, a system memory 14 and a system bus 16 that couplesvarious system components including the system memory 14 to theprocessing unit 12. The processing unit 12 may be any logical processingunit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digitalsignal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits(ASIC), etc. Unless described otherwise, the construction and operationof the various blocks shown in FIG. 2 are of conventional design. As aresult, such blocks need not be described in further detail herein, asthey will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art.

The system bus 16 can employ any known bus structures or architectures,including a memory bus with memory controller, a peripheral bus, and/ora local bus. The system memory 14 includes read-only memory (“ROM”) 18and random access memory (“RAM”) 20. A basic input/output system(“BIOS”) 22, which can form part of the ROM 18, contains basic routinesthat help transfer information between elements within the computingsystem 10, such as during startup.

The computing system 10 also includes one or more spinning mediamemories such as a hard disk drive 24 for reading from and writing to ahard disk 25, and an optical disk drive 26 and a magnetic disk drive 28for reading from and writing to removable optical disks 30 and magneticdisks 32, respectively. The optical disk 30 can be a CD-ROM, while themagnetic disk 32 can be a magnetic floppy disk or diskette. The harddisk drive 24, optical disk drive 26 and magnetic disk drive 28communicate with the processing unit 12 via the bus 16. The hard diskdrive 24, optical disk drive 26 and magnetic disk drive 28 may includeinterfaces or controllers coupled between such drives and the bus 16, asis known by those skilled in the relevant art, for example via an IDE(Integrated Drive Electronics) interface. The drives 24, 26 and 28, andtheir associated computer-readable media, provide nonvolatile storage ofcomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules andother data for the computing system 10. Although the depicted computingsystem 10 employs hard disk 25, optical disk 30 and magnetic disk 32,those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other types ofspinning media memory computer-readable media may be employed, such as,digital video disks (DVD), Bernoulli cartridges, etc. Those skilled inthe relevant art will also appreciate that other types ofcomputer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer maybe employed, for example, non-spinning media memories such as magneticcassettes, flash memory cards, RAMs, ROMs, SSDs, ReRAMs, smart cards,etc.

Program modules can be stored in the system memory 14, such as anoperating system 34 (for example, Windows™, Android™, etc.), one or moreapplication programs 36 (for example, an application to control adisplay of an article of clothing), other programs or modules 38, andprogram data 40. The system memory 14 also includes a server 41 forpermitting the computing system 10 to exchange data with sources such asexternal controllers, Websites of the Internet, corporate intranets, orother networks, as well as other server applications on servercomputers. The server 41 may be markup language based, such as hypertextmarkup language (HTML), and operate with markup languages that usesyntactically delimited characters added to the data of a document torepresent the structure of the document, etc.

While shown in FIG. 2 as being stored in the system memory 14, theoperating system 34, application programs 36, other program modules 38,program data 40 and server 41 can be stored on the hard disk 25 of thehard disk drive 24, the optical disk 30 and the optical disk drive 26and/or the magnetic disk 32 of the magnetic disk drive 28, etc. A usercan enter commands and information to the computing system 10 throughinput devices such as a keypad or keyboard 42 and a pointing device suchas a mouse 44, a control pad mounted on a vehicle, etc. Other inputdevices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, scanner, touchscreen, card reader, chip reader, etc. These and other input devices asillustrated are connected to the processing unit 12 through an interface46 such as a serial port interface that couples to the bus 16, althoughother interfaces such as a parallel port, a game port, a wirelessinterface, or a universal serial bus (USB) can be used. A display ormonitor 48 or other display devices may be coupled to the bus 16 viavideo interface 50, such as a video adapter. The computing system 10 caninclude other output devices such as speakers, headphones, printers,etc.

The computing system 10 can operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to one or more repositories 6 and/or other computingsystems 8 a-8 n. While example embodiments may be discussed in terms ofan example means of communication (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth™), the computersystem 10 may employ any known means of communications, such as througha local area network (LAN) 52 or a wide area network (WAN), atelecommunications network or the Internet 54. Such networkingenvironments are well known and may include, for example, any type oftelecommunications network or other network, such as CDMA, OFDMA, GSM,LTE, LTE-A, WiMAX, VoIP, WiFi, Internet Protocol, Bluetooth™, variousIEEE standard protocols, etc.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computing system 10 maybe coupled to the LAN 52 through an adapter or network interface 56(communicatively linked to the bus 16). When used in a WAN networkingenvironment, the computing system 10 often includes a device, such as amodem 57, a mobile phone communication module or other device forestablishing communications over the WAN/Internet 54. As illustrated, amodem 57 is shown in FIG. 2 as communicatively linked between theinterface 46 and the WAN/Internet/Telecommunications network 54. In anetworked environment, program modules, application programs, or data,or portions thereof, can be stored in a server computer (for example,another configured computing system similar to the computing system 10).Those skilled in the relevant art will readily recognize that thenetwork connections shown in FIG. 2 a are only some examples ofestablishing communication links between computers and/or other systemsand devices, and other links may be used, including wireless links.

The computing system 10 may include one or more interfaces such as slot58 to allow the addition of devices either internally or externally tothe computing system 10. For example, suitable interfaces may includeISA (Industry Standard Architecture), IDE, PCI (Personal ComputerInterface) and/or AGP (Advance Graphics Processor) slot connectors foroption cards, serial and/or parallel ports, USB ports (Universal SerialBus), audio input/output (I/O) and MIDI/joystick connectors, slots formemory, credit card readers, scanners, bar code readers, RFID readers,etc., collectively referenced as 60.

The term computer-readable medium as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor unit 12 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto, non-volatile media, and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes,for example, hard, optical or magnetic disks 25, 30, 32, respectively.Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system memory 14.

Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, anyother physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM,a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, as described herein,or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to processor unit 12 forexecution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on amagnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem 57 local to computer system 10 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitterto convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupledto the system bus 16 can receive the data carried in the infrared signaland place the data on system bus 16. The system bus 16 carries the datato system memory 14, from which processor unit 12 retrieves and executesthe instructions. The instructions received by system memory 14 mayoptionally be stored on storage device either before or after executionby processor unit 12.

The repository 6 is a permanent storage medium for data. The repository6 may be specific to each end user, or shared between some or all endusers. For example, different vendors may have separate repositories ormay share repositories. The repository 6 (only one illustrated) may runon the same computing system as an application accessing the repository,or on another computing system accessible over the network 52, 54.

Embodiments of the computing system 10 of FIG. 2 may not include all ofthe illustrated components of the computing system 10, may containadditional components not shown in FIG. 10, and may not be configured asshown in FIG. 10. For example, a computing system 10 configured as smartphone system (see FIG. 1), may not include an optical disk drive and mayinclude an application specific integrated circuit or a digital signalprocessor (not shown) to perform one or more of the functions of thesmart phone system. In another example, a smart phone system may includeone or more telecommunications modules to handle call processing, suchas CDMA, OFDMA, LTE, GSM, etc., call processing.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a system 300for providing a protective device 306, such as an article of protectiveclothing. The system 300 includes a broadcast system 302 and one or morecontrol terminals 304. The broadcast system 302 is integrated into theprotective device 306 and may comprise one or more displays 360,speakers 362, physical stimulation devices (e.g. vibrators, pulsers,heat strips, suction devices, pressure actuators, etc.) 364, sensors366, communication interfaces I, power subsystems, etc., such asillustrated in an embodiment of the computing system 10 of FIG. 2 or theembodiment of the system 100 of FIG. 1. Similarly, the one or morecontrol terminals 304 may comprise one or more configured computingsystems, such as an embodiment of the computing system 10 of FIG. 2.

As illustrated, the audio/visual system 302 comprises an operatingsystem 310 (for example, a Windows™, Android™, IOS™ operating system),and application modules 312 (for example, in a system memory, see systemmemory 14 of FIG. 2), such as a display application manager, acommunication manager, and a device driver, which may, for example,control a USB interface 307, a wireless interface 309, etc. The wirelessinterface may include an antenna.

As illustrated, the one or more control terminals 304 comprise anoperating system 320 (for example, a Windows™, Android™ or IOS™operating system), and application modules 322 (for example, in a systemmemory, see system memory 14 of FIG. 2). As illustrated, the applicationmodules 322 include a protective device application manager 324, acommunication manager 326, and a device driver 328, which may, forexample, control an interface 330, etc. The broadcast system 302 and theone or more control terminals 304 may communicate via wired or wirelesscommunication links 114, via other communication networks (e.g., GSM,LTE, POTS), and various combinations thereof.

The protect device 306 may comprise, for example, vests, harnesses,coats, pullovers, covers, jackets, personal platforms, safety gear,safety clothing, armor, pants, shorts, shoes, sleeves, gloves, helmets,mobile devices, clothing inserts, etc., and various combinationsthereof.

Embodiments of a system of providing protective devices, such as theembodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, may utilize most/some national symbolsand/or international symbols, designs, images for personal safety or toinform others with various programmable static or moving motionilluminated information. The intent is to inform, announce, display,project, signal critical information, desired information and/or trafficsymbols including position lighting (brake lights, turnindicators/blinkers, position lights, warning lights) from the user'sback and/or front chest surfaces and/or any other personal body partsurfaces of users in order to protect the user and/or inform the user orothers with information relating to actions or potential actions of theuser or others. In some embodiments, the system may display, broadcast,advertise, convey information, light, etc. The information may take theform, for example, of warning messages, cheerful messages, etc.Broadcasting by an article of clothing may include audio, physical andvisible light broadcasting using broadcasting devices embedded in thearticle of clothing.

Use of embodiments may reduce the very real possibility of users beingkilled, becoming victims in vehicle accidents, and suffering personalinjuries. An embodiment may help a user to be seen or get noticed byothers by using a highly visible lighting system during the day ornight, or to notice others, etc. In an embodiment, users may displaypersonal, customizable static or moving motion illuminated messages, ifthe user chooses.

One or more embodiments may be worn on any personal body surface capableof reflecting or illuminating detailed images or information that usersmay need to utilize, display, advertise, announce, proclaim, introduce,broadcast, inform, notify, light, cheer or warn others or receivewarnings by providing desired, programmable static or moving motionilluminated information, audio information or physical stimulation, via,for example, vests, harnesses, coats, pullovers, covers, jackets,personal platforms, safety gear, safety clothing, armor, pants, shorts,shoes, sleeves, gloves, etc.

An embodiment comprises a vest/harness platform to display messages onthe back and/or front surface of a user. An embodiment may appeal to theneeds of users with complex safety features or simple static andprogrammable operating applications, and various combinations thereof.One or more embodiments may be upgradeable, such as through a downloadfrom a remote server (see FIG. 1). One or more embodiments may allow theuser to also use the system at sporting events to promote and cheertheir team along. One or more embodiments may provide illumination infront of or behind the user (e.g., a pedestrian, a bicyclist, amotorcyclist, etc., on darker trails, paths or walkways to providelighting, or to increase the visibility of the user to others). In anembodiment, the system may be reversible or otherwise allow the user toreverse the vest/harness platform (e.g., from the back to the frontchest), or to add additional displays (e.g., to double the footprint toinclude the front and back surfaces within the system) or otherbroadcast devices.

In one or more embodiments, the user may operate the system usinghandheld controllers or fixed controllers. In one or more embodiments,users may include police officers, flight-line services, search & rescueand military personnel. Control panels and display and audio messagesmay be customized for various users and purposes. Athletes, such asmarathon runners, skiers or hikers, and other users may have protectivearticles of clothing customized for particular uses. For example, thedisplay may positioned at a location on the body to increase visibilityduring a particular activity, a color scheme designed to be visible incertain conditions (e.g., colors visible in snow to facilitate rescuerslocating an injured skier in the snow or colors providing bettervisibility in water for divers). Embodiments of an article of protectiveclothing may incorporate other customized protective features (e.g.,extra padding, expandable air tubes, body armor, motion and/or tippingsensors, etc.). One or more embodiments may have upgradeable options,such as the ability to display sports team logos (e.g., football orsoccer team logos), etc. Such options may be, for example, purchasedinitially or subsequently for an additional fee (e.g., a higher initialcost and/or downloadable for a fee). For example, a user may have theability and choose to upgrade as they wish to add “Pick n Click” options(e.g., via a remote server website). In an embodiment, a user may beable to choose various additional accessories along with the ability tocreate customized static and/or moving motion designs for display by thesystem.

An embodiment may include lavish and ultra-high quality leather, Kevlar™or Gor-Tex™ safety apparel materials. An embodiment may incorporatetop-line safety apparel specific and may offer additional internalridged components such as back plates, elbow pads, shoulder pads, kneepads and other fall and skid prevention safety features. An embodimentmay be customized for specific applications, such as motorcyclist,police, military, airport flight-line services, etc. One or moreembodiments may include back, front, sides, shoulders, sleeves, partialfront and optional pants & helmet displays, speakers, and/or physicalstimulation devices, controls and/or control leads if desired. Anembodiment may allow the user to create a highly detailed customdesigned application for different surfaces if desired. One or moreembodiments may include the helmet attachments (e.g., broadcast devicesand/or controls). One or more embodiments may monitor other signalingsystems and generate a display based on the monitoring. For example, asystem may monitor a conventional motorcycle signaling system andbroadcast based on the monitoring. For example, if the conventionalsignaling system indicates the motorcycle is breaking, stopped orturning, etc., an embodiment may respond by displaying a large flashingred signal to warn other traffic, a stop sign, a large arrow indicatinga direction, etc. One or more embodiments may monitor indications from asensor and broadcast information based on the monitoring. For example,if a sensor indicates a user is slowing down, an embodiment may respondby displaying a large flashing red signal to warn other traffic. Inanother example, if a sensor indicates a vehicle is approaching the userfrom the left at a speed and trajectory which is likely to place theuser at risk of injury, an embodiment may respond by broadcast an alertto the user, e.g., a pulse on the left side of a user's hand to indicatea danger is approaching from the left, etc. In response to an indicationof an accident or a manual activation, an embodiment may broadcastlocation information, such as GPS location information, a location beam,etc.

One or more embodiments may be sold using incentives, such as medicalinsurance incentives, e.g., doubling the riders existing insurance up toa maximum for one year from date of original point of sale.

In one or more embodiments, users may have several options to controland program via remote or hardwired handheld controllers, hardwired bodymounted controllers, Bluetooth™ wireless device controllers (iPhone™Android™, personal device Apps, etc.) and other wired and wirelesssystems. In an embodiment, a custom programmable platform may utilizeUSB direct from a device, Bluetooth™ or some other wireless deviceformat. One or more embodiments may employ various controller orprogrammable format options in various combinations.

In an embodiment, a user may have access to an online custom designcenter within a vendor website or directly through an App connected tothe user's devices. This may facilitate providing the user withflexibility to make custom images, symbols, words or phrases intovirtually up to 16 million different colors, any color pattern, format,light intensities, static or moving motion image or any lighting pulsespeed rate controls the user desires. The custom creation may uploadthat information instantly to the device to copy then to upload directlyto the protective device, such as an article of clothing. In anembodiment, there may also be a selection allowing the user to rebootthe entire system to the original factory settings, if desired.

Embodiments may be configured for plug, choose, click and go operation.Embodiments may include baseline categories utilizing brightvests/harnesses in most single solid colored highly reflective optionsor multi-colored highly reflective options (e.g., Scotch-Light™ typereflective material). In an embodiment, a configuration may employ basicYes/No options lists (e.g., international stop symbol? or USA nationalstop sign symbols?, etc.) and adjustable options such as the flashingpulse speed rates options, lighting intensity control to otherpre-programmed and programmed preferred set-up choices, such as theexamples discussed herein.

Embodiments may include control options in various combinations, such asthe following example control options:

“Dim” Red Background always on selection (switchable off/on—square orround);

Stop sign selection (e.g., International stop sign with white or yellowhorizontal strip or US standard stop sign);

Brakes or stop engaged selection (e.g., bright red circle with whitestrip or yellow strip);

Turn indicators engaged selection (Right & Left) (e.g., large flashingyellow amber arrows—Directional), with sub-options:

-   -   a) Brakes disengaged (e.g., large flashing yellow amber arrow        with “dim” red background on); and    -   b) Brakes engaged (e.g., large flashing directional yellow amber        arrow with brakes applied),

with “Opposite Flashing” bright red circle then yellow directionalarrow, if desired;

Warning lights selection (e.g., bright red flashing triangle withexclamation point inside);

Hazard lights selection (e.g., bright red flashing triangle withexclamation point inside);

Caution Lights selection (e.g., bright yellow flashing triangle withexclamation point inside);

First aid selection (e.g., symbol bright green or background with whitecross opposing flashing);

Star of Life selection (e.g., bright blue emergency medical servicesymbol flashing); and/or

All clear selection (e.g., allowing the user to throw a dim or brightbody light to illuminate in front of or behind to securely see ahead ofor behind the user in the dark providing security and safety).

Some embodiments may allow the user to promote their favorite sportsfranchise, stadiums, sporting events, concerts or athletes. Someembodiments may allow (e.g., with a licensing fee to the sportingfranchise, such as the NFL, NBA, etc.) users to create their own designs(e.g., by using a custom design center at a vendor's website) for thesepurposes.

Some embodiments may include options and functions plus moresophisticate systems allowing additional flexibility and customization.

In some embodiments, a controller may be connected directly to thereceiver, such as a handheld controller or mounted controller. Thiscontroller may be hardwired or wirelessly remotely controlled. Thehardwired handheld controller or mounted controller may provide the samefunctions as a handheld remote controller. The handheld device mayprovide physical safety features within its design as well, such asphysical self-defense features (e.g., an alarm, whistle, pepper spray,tip sensor, etc.). The handheld platform may be designed to easily fitinto the user's hand and may also house a series of small indicatorlights to reassure the user that the system is working properly. Thesystem may also perform a “Self Check” upon powering up. A rechargeablebattery pack for the handheld unit may be independent to a rechargeablebattery pack for the article of clothing (e.g., in a wirelessembodiment). A hardwired rechargeable battery pack may be integratedwithin the system. The wireless handheld controller may broadcast analarm if the article of clothing is too far away from the handheldcontrol transmitter or when it doesn't receive a proper signal (e.g., anacknowledgment signal). This may reduce the possibilities of losing thehandheld controller or false positives. An embodiment may draw power forthe article of clothing and/or one or more control terminals from avehicle (e.g., via a wired system power bus, a cigarette lightersockets, electromagnet signals, etc.)

In an embodiment, a system may be customized for use with bicycles andother human-powered devices. An embodiment may employ integrated mountedsensor(s) connected to the bicycles braking levers (usually right handside to the rear brakes) by an inconspicuous handbrake activation switchto engage and disengage lighting on the display to indicate brakingactivity. Wireless or wired links may be employed to communicativelycouple the sensor(s) to the article of clothing.

An embodiment may employ independent finger toggle switches or buttonsthat are human activated (e.g., for the turn indicators, positionlights, warning lights, etc.). The switched control terminal may be atthe opposite side of the handlebars away from the brakes (usually lefthand side). The control terminal transmitter housing unit may also havesmall indicator lights to assure the user that the system is workingcorrectly by visually verifying proper operation. Embodiments mayperform a self-check upon powering up. The system may be wireless andfuture upgrades and accessories may be implemented with a wirelessplatform in mind. One or more rechargeable battery packs may be mountedto the control terminal, the article of clothing, and/or the vehicleframe.

One or more embodiments may be customized for use with poweredequipment, such as motorcycles and other powered vehicles. One or morewired connections may couple one or more system components (e.g., acontrol terminal, an article of clothing, etc.), to the equipment'sinternal wiring-harness, directly to control wire leads (e.g., bysplicing onto a specific lighting indicator's source (brake lights, turnindicators, hazard wiring, etc.)), etc. A control terminal could bemounted onto the handlebars or hidden someplace inconspicuously. Thecontrol terminal housing unit may also have small indicator lights toassure the user that the system is working correctly by visuallyverifying proper function operations. The protective article of clothingsystem may be wireless or hardwired through the seat to the rider. Ifthere is a passenger, the passenger may wear the protective clothingsystem to facilitate an unobstructed view from behind. The passenger andthe operator may both wear protective clothing systems, which may besynchronized. A receiver may be located within the protective clothingsystem. A hardwired shielded magnetic quick-disconnect connecter mayallow a continual positive trickle charge from the main power supplysource to power charge a battery pack of the system while also beingused. A power source on the protective clothing system may provideprimary power to operate the entire system (e.g., the display system andthe control terminals, etc.). The protective clothing system may be ableto function for several hours independent of a trickle charge providedby the powered vehicle/equipment. The user may be able to choose one ofmultiple (e.g., three) direct contact point connections radially aroundthe lower part of the system for ease of use to avoid wire entanglement,in a hardwired embodiment. The protective clothing system may be pluggedinto a converter to provide power from a power terminal (e.g., a 110-115AC wall outlet to a 12V DC power converter) while not being used or awayfrom a powered equipment's trickle charge system in order to charge boththe transmitter and receiver components fully and completely. In anembodiment, multiple control terminals, multiple sensors and multiplearticles of clothing, and various combinations thereof, may be employed.

In an embodiment, the display of a protective article of clothing maycomprise, for example, LEDs, LED panels, LED plates, plasma plates,soft-image plates, image film, lighted display platform, reflectiveprogrammable surfaces, physical impulse sensors, etc., and variouscombinations thereof.

One or more embodiments may comply with various standards and safetyprotocols, such as those developed by or for the Motorcycle SafetyFoundation (HSF), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), theInsurance Institute if America (IIA), the American Insurance Association(AIA), the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC),various bicycle, motorcycle and ATV safety organizations, etc.

As discussed in more detail elsewhere herein, embodiments may becustomized for use by various people and for various applications (e.g.,motorcyclists, bicyclists, runners, pedestrians, sports fans, kids,police, military, firemen, security services, search & rescue services,other emergency personnel, flight Lines/tarmac (airport), recreationalvehicles, hikers, skiers, scuba divers, etc., and various combinationsthereof). For example, an embodiment may facilitate search and rescueworkers looking for someone who is lost in the woods by proving lightingso the workers can see and be seen, by identifying other rescuers andsearch zones, etc.

Embodiments may be incorporated into ballistic and cut-proofundergarments, for example, in police and military embodiments discussedelsewhere herein.

Some embodiments may employ additional accessories (additionalproducts), such as displays that expand around to the sides (turnindicators, position lights, etc.), to the front, such as yellow amberdim lighting similar to a car's wrap around position lights, headlights,etc. Some embodiments may be able to project an all clear or white lightflood of light in an effort to illuminate the surroundings. Someembodiments may be configured to reduce night-blinding of the user andothers (e.g., sensors and or controls may be employed to respond to anoncoming person or automobile and automatically dim or facilitate manualdimming of the lighting in response, shields may be employed to deflectlighting, etc.).

Some embodiments may provide flat fee licenses (e.g., to use sports teamlogos) and some embodiments may provide “Pay to Play” licenses. A userat a sporting event may be able to display their favorite athlete'snumber in the teams color or the actual team's logo in bright light onthe user's front or back. The vest could be reversed from the back tothe front or have a display on the front and back. Some embodiments mayincorporate still cameras and/or video cameras. For example, a user maybe able to take a selfie using the system, which may be automatically ormanually posted to a website, etc.

In an embodiment, a helmet may employ a hardwired or a wirelesstransceiver (e.g., Bluetooth™) integrated into the system, or as anadd-on. Hardwired versions may include quick disconnects, such asdescribed elsewhere herein.

In an embodiment, for example, customized for police use, a blue“POLICE” may be displayed on the officer's backs in bright lights andtheir helmets possibly and sides might light up as well. A Blue/Redreverse pulsing image may be displayed while under pursuit. In anembodiment, a blue “POLICE” word with offsetting red stop sign & bluepolice titles may flash as desired. An embodiment may also provideextreme visual protection to the police officer when the police officerdismounts the police motorcycle or leaves the security of the policecruiser. The police officer may be provided lighting protection whileoutside or away from their vehicle and walking up onto the pulled overvehicle to announce the police officer's physical position to oncomingtraffic. In an embodiment, a shielded trickle charger wire mayautomatically disconnect as the police officer exits their car ormotorcycle, such as with the force of a small magnet. A beat officer mayutilize a system with rechargeable battery and possible back-upbatteries.

In an embodiment, for example, customized for use by a hiker, a displaypattern to facilitate spotting by search & rescue in the day or nightmay be employed. For example, an embodiment may simulate a signal mirrorin the daytime and a beacon at night.

In an embodiment, a plurality of protective systems may be configured toprovide a coordinated protective broadcast system. For example, two ormore users wearing separate protective clothing systems may desire tocoordinate their displays. For example, two police officers at a crashscene, bicyclists riding together, a synchronized group of policeofficers displaying their message such as in a police line, a row ofbicyclists as a peloton/pack in road race, a military platoon,encampment, movement operating as a single entity, etc., may wish tohave their displays flash in unison or alternatively, a group ofspectators at a sporting event (e.g., at a stadium, may wish to have thedisplays on their protective articles of clothing provide a jointdisplay (e.g., each display showing part of a larger team logo display),etc.

In some embodiments, a display may be modified based on the location orrelative position of a user or a plurality of users. For example, at acrash scene, it may be desired for the displays of officers and otheremergency personnel may direct traffic in a certain direction. Thesystem or systems may be configured to detect the positions of theofficers and their display so as to select a display or set of displaysto direct traffic as desired (e.g., to display an arrow directingtraffic as desired (e.g., on one or a series of officers), to displayflashing red on south facing displays and flashing yellow on northfacing displays, etc.).

In an embodiment, people are empowered with the security of personallight safety technology. Several category platforms presented from asimple low cost introductory format comprising of a cell phone APP withsimple display and control options up to the “Exclusive” high-endinclusive offerings. The embodiments may minimize human error in trafficaccidents or individual incidences caused by visual impairments orinattentiveness. Depending upon the platform being utilizedembodiments/technologies may be imbedded within leather, plastic,Kevlar™, or other fabrics. An embodiment's designs and technologies maybe created to look fashionable and stylish with seamless hiddenintegrations about the garment, safety suit, jacket, host, pants orvest, etc.

In an embodiment, a visual crash avoidance and personal safetyprevention system provides warnings, instructions as well as notices. Anembodiment may provide the technology for avoiding injuries or death andassisting to simply be seen and/or be warned. An embodiment may launchan integrated multi-system or multi-vehicle communications capacity withactive safety sharing device technologies to further increase the effortof safety on our roadways.

Baseline offerings may provide affordable versions of embodiments inorder to appeal to initial users and helping developing countries'populations, for example, that use bicycles and scooters as primarymodes of transportation. An embodiment may be APP centric driven andutilize simple Bluetooth™ or other connections from the controller,transmitter, laptop, a portable computer, iPad™, iPhone™ or other imagedisplay technology systems. These screen devices could be mounted orslide into a holder, cradle, clear plastic pouch or netted pocketconnected to the back of the users while pointing the screens surfaceoutward and/or backwards. This may facilitate notifying everyone of theuser's location by being seen or viewed from behind. An APP embodimentmay be controlled by the wireless device along with additionalindependent control transceiver systems (mounted or handheld accessorieswith brake solenoids, toggle switches, mini-controllers, etc.). A pocketdesigned to hold/contain a back mounted screen may contain an iPad orother system which may be utilized. This system may be added to abackpack of the user as well. In an embodiment, a baseline category” maybe being introduced to allow the largest group of consumers theavailability to be provided by personal lighted safety systemsprotection at a minimal cost. An embodiment may be provided as an APPcentric driven application. An embodiment may provide users theopportunity to understand and realize how they may directly bebenefiting themselves by minimizing human error effects from injury intheir daily lives. A baseline category embodiment may utilize severalpresent display options from cell phones, iPad's, laptops andmiscellaneous display means either hardwired or wireless. An embodimentmay be inexpensive, with a target pricing of, for example, $20 or less.

In an embodiment, a distress platform may be user activated and allowthe user to initiate a panic button on the embodiment or via remotecontrol to activate. In an embodiment, an additional benefit may be tosend a GPS location instantly along with a series of various intensevisual pulsing alerts of light within and throughout the system. In anembodiment, additional multi-angular directional highly noticeable laserlight may be transmitted, e.g., a vertically erratic highly noticeablelaser image signal beam of a first-aid green color. An embodiment mayannounce precisely the distressed user's location up into the sky tosummon help to the GPS geographic coordinates. An embodiment may beprogrammed by default to contact the local 911, may be customized withthe user's preferred contacts to call or transmit via a wirelessnetwork, etc. In an embodiment, the system application may allow usersto manually input and initiate pre-programmed instructions to activatethe visual embodiment display and to transmit GPS coordinates via cellphone. Audio alarms, tones and physical alarms could be utilized. Anymessage could be used if programmed or set prior to use otherwise astandard pre-programmed format may be used, which may be able to beoverwritten or overridden. This system could utilize an emergencypersonal impact sensor system integrated into the system or throughother devices such as cell phones or Bluetooth™ devices or otherwireless systems.

In an embodiment, an emergency platform may automatically be initiatedby the personal impact sensors being deployed and would an automaticresponse, such as the Emergency 911 contacting capabilities discussedabove (e.g., by utilizing an existing cellular phone system viaBluetooth™ or pre-set-up emergency service for either announcing amulti-vehicle or single vehicle accident if riding a bicycle, motorcycleor incident if a pedestrian is involved with an occurrence with avehicle, serious fall or another incidence). For example, if connectedto an existing user's cell phone or using an embedded communicationsystem, and embodiment may direct or guide emergency personnel to theinjured user through a third party GPS cross-triangulation provider suchas Google Maps™, AT&T™, etc. Additional fees may be charged for theservice in some embodiments. The system may utilize an emergencypersonal impact sensor system integrated into the system or throughother devices coupled to the system, such as cell phones, Bluetoothdevices. GPS trackers or tracking may be employed in some embodiments toprovide location information. In an embodiment, an emergency platformmay be controlled, disconnected or turned off separately andindependently, for example, by a very obvious red on/off switch adjustedby screwdriver. If the user disconnects the emergency portion of thissystem, that action will render the emergency system inoperative and theuser's position simply won't be tracked or broadcast. In an embodiment,emergency system tracking may be inoperative until an emergency criteriais satisfied. For example, tracking may be disabled, and then activatedin response to an indication that the user has been in an accident, suchas a signal from an impact sensor, a body-tip sensor, etc.

In connection with an emergency and/or a distress platform, a verticallaser may be mounted behind one or both of the shoulders pointing nearlyvertically into the sky in an embodiment. In an embodiment, compliancewith appropriate regulations, such as aviation regulations, may be takeninto consideration with regard to the timing, direction, and nature of adistress signal. In an embodiment, verifying vertical direction may beaccomplished with a MEMS device, a mercury gravity switch or by anautomatically activated electro-gyroscope to verify verticalunobstructed guidance of the laser pulse into the sky. In an embodiment,a laser lighting system may be provided, for example, in green laserinternational rescue colors and once automatically activated may providean incremental pulse of movements with a digital fan effect into the skyfrom the laser manager. Such an embodiment may grab attention whileallowing the rescuer or police to find and assist the distressed orinjured user faster than using audio prompts without visual guidance orcommand assistance. In an embodiment, an all off button may allow a useror rescuer to turn off an emergency system once the user is located, forexample, to avoid a distraction while providing aid to the user.

In an embodiment, a mayday signal may be transmitted in an emergencysignal channel (e.g., 121.5 MHz, 243.0 MHz, etc.)

In an embodiment, a protective device may classify a person or vehiclein the vicinity of, approaching, or being approached by a user, andrespond to the classification by taking appropriate action. Forconvenience, examples will be discussed in the context of a policeoperation, such as an operation to capture a suspect. A protectivedevice may classify a person or vehicle by, for example, reading atransponder code, a squawk code, detecting the lack of a transpondercode or squawk code, detecting the presence of a cell phone associatedwith a person or vehicle (e.g., a cell phone known to be used by asuspect), receiving a communication from another user's protectivedevice (e.g., a communication indicating a suspect's route or anotherpolice officer's route), sensing a speed, a trajectory and a mass of theperson(s) or vehicle, using face recognition software, mood recognitionroutines, etc., and various combinations thereof. The classification mayinclude classification as a friend (e.g., classification as a policeofficer based, for example, on receipt of a transponder code or squawkcode, which may including individual or group identificationinformation), a foe (e.g., classification as a possible suspect, based,for example, on signals from one or more other protective devices, thelack of signals from one or more other protective devices, facerecognition software, tracking software, etc., and various combinationsthereof), a hazard (e.g., a vehicle approaching at an unsafe speed andtrajectory), etc. A protective device may also classify sounds (e.g.,gunshots, approaching vehicles, etc.).

A protective device may respond to a classification by signaling theuser, for example silently or otherwise, of a classification of aperson, vehicle or sound. For example, with reference to policeofficers, a protective device may cause a first vibration at a firstspeed and a first location to indicate another police officer isapproaching from a first direction, and may cause a second vibration ata second speed and a second location to indicate a suspect or unknownindividual is approaching from a second direction. The characteristicsof the vibrations or other silent indicators (e.g., pressure, heat,suction, etc.) or non-silent indicators (e.g., sound) may be varied toprovide indications of other information, such as a speed of approach(e.g. by varying a pulsing speed), a number of individuals approaching(e.g., by varying an intensity of the pulses), direction of approach(e.g., by varying a direction of the pulsing (e.g., from left to rightto indicate individuals approaching from the left)), and whether theindividuals are friends, foes, or unknown (e.g., by applying heat orsuction as well as pulses); etc., and various combinations thereof. Anembodiment facilitates notifying a user discretely of an approachingfriend, foe or other threat, or innocents, so that the user is notsurprised, and can adopt a strategy taking into account the informationconveyed, for example, by silent indicators such as discussed herein.This may reduce, for example, the threat to a police officer from anapproaching car or foe by providing the officer with useful informationin a discrete manner.

Various sensors may also pickup electromagnetic radiation and detectmetal, flesh (human or animal) target identification information inorder to identify or classify approaching intruders, detect possiblesubterranean devices (e.g., hidden weapons) as the user approaches thetarget, or vice versa. An embodiment may collect radio or radar wavetransmission energy identifiers as normally transmitted or reflected bycoding from the target thus being determined as passive or activetargets.

In an embodiment, a preemptive anti-collision incident alert protectionsystem may be employed. The system may be configured to announce,identify and locate oncoming traffic through a series of physicalactuators and sensors. An embodiment may have optional distance sensorsand blind spot sensors or monitors with additional capabilities forfunctionality by intensifying the lighting controls by the embodimentwith bright and dim flashing colors of choice as an automobileapproaches (or other object) from behind or side quickly including closestops or tailgating the back of the user. In an embodiment, the systemfunctions while being static, dynamic or while traveling. In anembodiment, the system's response may become more aggressive as theadvance comes closer with a graduating frantic light pulse announcingthe driver's location within a operators control system or thehandlebars. The user may also be notified and provided with a visualblind spot sensors and monitors again while being static or dynamic.This may cue the user as to the fast moving closure rate by anautomobile or other object that comes, for example, from behind or fromthe side. In an embodiment, a visual alert may be integrated into thecontrol module that may be mounted onto the controller of the handlebarof a bicycle or motorcycle for clear viewing. In an embodiment, avibrating alert system and a reactive light tracking may also beintegrated into this alert. In other words, the light will appear to betargeting the approaching aggressive driver by visually tracking them.

In an embodiment, a vibrating alert system may provide physical touchvibrations, pulses, manipulations or stimulations with perceptible closeproximity or direct contact of the skin or body parts with physicalnotifications or contact inputs. The vibrating alert system may directlycontact or attract physical attention to a person's body from theprecise direction of which the oncoming traffic is specificallyapproaching from. This is in order to alert the user of the specificdirection requiring passive attention, short term attention or to beready to take corrective actions and directional notice of a possibleimpact. Imbedded perimeter, outside radar, infrared, image or movementsensors may duplicate the direction of oncoming traffic internally byreflecting and initiating physical movement energy onto the user, forexample, in the specific direction of an approaching threat (e.g.,rearward for a danger approaching from the rear, on a side for a dangerin a sideward blind spot).

Some embodiments may be directed to applications such as sports,military, police, etc. Sports and other function embodiments mayremotely inform a football player to turn right then break straight thenleft because one or more remote-controlled actuators vibrated the rightside, front then left retrospective of the football player's bodyinstructing that player to move in those directions. The actuators maybe incorporated into a belt or uniform. In an embodiment, a quarterbackmay go through a route and a remote controlled impulse mechanism wouldlet the quarterback know to look left or right for a pass or to just runaway onto safety in an alerted designated direction. In an embodiment,physical and visual direction indications may be transmitted thenreceived by a user to advise and provide safety instructions by aninstructor/operator to the player/user. An embodiment may be also usedby police in large groups allowing an observer to direct an officer or aspecific person through a crowd onto a target, such as a person ofinterest to the police. In an embodiment, the physical input sensors andoutput devices (e.g., accelerometers, switches, temperature sensors,pulsers, heating devices, speakers, microphones, suction devices,actuators, etc., and various combinations thereof) may be position on orin the vicinity of any desired body part and transmit/receive from anylocation on the body. Positions may be selected for various reasons,such as to provide more unobstructed access or visibility, betterreception or transmission characteristics, etc.

An embodiment may facilitate police, for example, in very large groups,to control riots and other large crowds. For example, it may be desiredfor the police to communicate with each other indiscreetly, ordiscreetly. For example, an embodiment may be able to be change adisplay from all white, to all red or to any color combinations thereof.This may help the police identify a problem area to a specificindividual, a small group or a quadrant within an entire brigade. Anembodiment may be used to announce visibly to other officers that theremight be officers in distress or that there is an area within a riotarea where an individual or group of officers need assistance bytransmitting an entire red embodiment color on an individual basis orquadrant area. Visual distresses or announcements may be responded tomuch faster than using a radio, then trying to figure out where theofficer or officers are in a very large group. With a bright red light,it's simple and quick. In another embodiment, physical pulses providingdirectional information may be employed discreetly and incognito, whilestill facilitating a quick response time in directing officers to aproblem area.

In an embodiment, a reactive light tracking system works with orindependent of the vibrating alert system with a slight difference.Instead of notifying the user by vibrating the alert in a specific areaof the user's body, the reactive light tracking system may track one orseveral oncoming vehicle(s) or persons with a series of intense lightsseemingly appearing to be rotating around the user thus directing itsfocus and energy notifying the oncoming driver that they are beingtracked. For example, if someone rides a bicycle up onto a user frombehind or from the side that person will be visibly tracked and a seriesof lights will make it obvious. At the same time, the user may beprovided with a signal indicating an approaching threat, such as pulsesindicating a direction of the approaching threat. In other words, in anembodiment, if a person walked around the back of the user of anembodiment, the person would notice a series of bright lights followingthe person from behind and around the embodiment until the threat isgone, and the user may be notified of the presence of the person via avibrating alert system. This system may be employ existing back and sideplatforms of the LED or other light display or be part of a lightbroadcast or other broadcast platform.

In an embodiment, both the vibrating alert system and the reactive lighttracking system may be available in mini versions to facilitateinstallation on motorcycle helmets, bicycle cycling helmets and otherheadgear, and may be controlled and powered via being hardwired orwireless to a main system.

In an embodiment, a vital-sign tracking system may integrate galvanicskin response (GSP) and sensors to achieve a history of the user vitalsigns, such as a short history immediately after an accident or fall ora history manually activated by the user, which may be of a default orselected duration. This platform may document the body's temperature,blood pressure, pulse heart rate and respiratory breathing rate if thesystem is activated. The embodiment could provide a blueprint of theuser's vital signs between when the accident occurred and when the EMTServices or Aid Rescuers arrive at the scene of the accident to startlife saving measures. Distress or emergency platforms couldautomatically activate vital-sign tracking. Vital-sign tracking mayutilize the sleeve(s) of the garment to allow direct skin contact withthe underside of the wrist and either or the collar of the garment toprovide direct skin contact to the back of the neck for blood pressure,body temperature and heart rate by metal contacts or skin conductancemeters. A jacket, coat or garment may house an expandable chest stripincluding sensors to obtain information, such as a body temperature,blood pressure, pulse, respiratory breathing rate, etc. The jacket, coator garment may have to be closed, buttoned up or zipped up in order forthe expandable chest strip to work correctly. The jacket chest radiusmay be much larger than the chest of the body allowing plenty of roomfor a snug flexible tape strap sensor. Utilizing a snug expandable cheststrip would provide the consistent light pressure for the monitor todetermine the expansion or inhale and contraction or exhale for propermeasurements. The embodiment may keep the information stored digitallyor produce a dispensing paper tape stream from a micro-printer out ontothe side of the embodiment. This system may be utilized without thepaper tape stream to keep track if the user feels the system needs to beturned on for long night trips (for example). In an embodiment, avital-sign tracking system may facilitate keeping a driver awake bydetermining if the operator of a motorcycle is falling asleep thenwaking the driver back up by utilizing an audible alarm, digital voicerecording (Hey, Wake-Up!!) and/or a vibrating alert system based oncalculating heart rate and breathing cycles and/or skin conductancemeasurements. An embodiment may use a distance sensor that measures thedriver's or user's head perpendicular perspective by installed helmetelectro magnets and embodiment electro magnets that measures thedifference in polarity field pressures by opposing magnetic fields. Anembodiment may employ gyroscopes, MEMS devices, etc., to determine anorientation of a user's head, and activate an alarm based on thedetermined orientation. For example, if the head of a user droops or theuser falls asleep, the alarm, digital recording or vibrating alertsystem alerts the driver or rider or takes other protective actions(e.g., activating warning displays, brakes, etc.). Thresholds may beemployed to determine whether to activate an alarm (e.g., thresholdangles, threshold periods of time, etc., and various combinationsthereof).

An embodiment may have voice recognition capabilities (e.g., blinkerright, blinker left, brake on-brake off, Help, 911, off, stop, override,etc.). Passive listening devices available to the user may be employedby mounting a microphone inside the helmet, existing phone connection ormicro-flex microphones, jawbone microphones, etc. These devices may bemounted near the mouth of the user, from a helmet, from the ears, etc.Passive listening devices which pair up independently and separate tothe user's cellular phone may be employed. Listening devices in a user'scell phone may be employed. The audio systems could be connected via awireless system or could be introduced as a separate internal system.Using voice activated switching (VOX) or voice commands instead of or inaddition to using simple buttons, knobs, and touch screens should reducedriver distraction times of which could reduce accidents and increasereflex timing.

In an embodiment, a GPS tracker may track the user via Short MessageService (SMS) of other services from anywhere in the world. Theembodiment may receive and/or send the coordinates of a user's locationand a link, such as a Google Maps link, to the user's location withinseconds of tracking confirmation. The GPS tracker would allow followingof a user's route for determining mileage or for mapping purposes. GPStracking may be accompanied by longitude and latitude identifiers alongwith cross-street triangulation or addresses or vice versa.

In an embodiment, a system may connect to the user's smartphone viaBluetooth™ or other wireless system protocols with the possibilities ofa variety of smart features including full design, full lightingcontrols, turn-by-turn navigation. Embodiments may come equipped with alow-power GPS module that allows you to track your location fromanywhere in the world. Associated services could be paid for using apay-to-use SIM card, digital currency or wireless payment device, etc.In an embodiment, a user may send a text or e-mail message via ShortMessage Service (SMS) to retrieve or announce the user's location toanyone or generate a ground track. In response, a user may receive anSMS reply containing a link (e.g., a Google Maps™ link) to the user'scurrent location and past track.

An embodiment may determine how far a user is from the user's bike,motorcycle or vehicle while a controller (e.g., controller 104 b ofFIG. 1) may turn a vehicle system on or off accordingly through wirelesscommunication if desired. In an embodiment, when a user approaches theuser's vehicle, the vehicle may automatically turn on, when the userwalks away for a determined and adjustable distance, the vehicle may beconfigured to automatically turn off via wireless range controllabilityor distance sensors. Some embodiments, for example, for use by policeofficers, may use communication systems with extended range tofacilitate reception at range distance greater than desired for otherapplications.

In an embodiment, a proximity and perimeter laser guide light mayproject a basic adjustable lateral finite range area of a visualdistance safety laser light zone around onto the ground surface aroundmotorcycles, bicycles or persons. The laser device may be directeddownward onto the ground along both sides of the perimeter of theprotection device itself. By utilizing lasers mounted inconspicuously toan electronic gyroscopic stabilizer (pitch and yaw) on each side wouldfacilitate an image being projected by the laser that is clearly legibleand creates the continual image, solid light line, broken light line,image, design, phrase or street address onto the ground smoothly whilesurrounding the user with a close safety range, buffer or zone while notblinding oncoming traffic or people not connected to this system. Thislaser image would appear to be traveling along side and with theembodiment. Integrating a mapping application, such as Google Maps™ mayprovide address detail in real time as the user travels past a specificstreet or location to be inscribed onto the ground surface, if desired.

In an embodiment, a compressed air engagement system may provide usersthe confidence of knowing if they do need the system it completely hasthem protected. Intergraded inline instantly expandable air tubes thatfollow the exterior of the body within the embodiment to protect againstimpact or fall with a protective body of air. This system may employ asemi-ridged plastic or rubber tubing configuration or expandable bodyplates. The system may be charged by a replaceable set of mini-canistersor mini-cartridges of compressed gas (e.g., air) that wouldinstantaneously fill the tube airlines under the embodiment to protectand minimize the body from injury. The sealed high pressure plasticairlines may be contained within and under the leather, Kevlar, plasticor other fabric jacket, top, pants, etc. Once the cartage is discharged,replacement is simple and easy. For example, if the system determinesthat a crash is imminent (for example, based on detection of anapproaching vehicle, an indication that the user's vehicle is unstable(e.g., information from sensors, such as MEMs devices, indicating thevehicle is likely to crash), a manual activation, etc., the system maydeploy the compressed air engagement system to provide the user with anadditional air barrier against injury.

An embodiment may also comprise or be connected and expandable to avideo system like GoPro™ or another system to record anything andeverything as proof of fault in case of an incident. The embodiment mayhave mounting points available within the system along with a powersource and the ability to transmit in real time via the user's cellsystem or other communication device.

In an embodiment, international navigation position lights—green right,red left and white front and back may be employed, for example, in caseprimary system is shutdown.

In an embodiment, an LED hot spot generator may provide a platform toexpand the continuity of internet or cell reception by using the LEDlighting itself as a radiant transceiver or remote or connected antenna.The electromagnet field or static fields could benefit each individualLED platform if working together as an enlarged platform receiver group.This LED generating hot spot could develop a transmit energy and utilizestatic fields or magnetic fields generated by the lighting system of theembodiment. The embodiment could provide additional network managementoptions for individual link connections or allow multi-users a remoteplatform to integrate into a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The various embodiments disclosed herein may be independent accessoriesfor an upgradable category embodiment, depending, for example, on therequirements and independent power supplies and technology growthsources.

The large back facing lighted surface of an embodiment may be reinforcedby placing a safety back shield or ballistic plates between the user'sbody and the lighted broadcast surface. If more area for electronics isdesired, the room needed could easily be achieved by enlarging the backinternal portion for the additional component space. In an embodiment,an LED display portion may also provide a heat-sink for the electronics,while also serving as a skid-shield and a rigid back support. Anembodiment may be contoured or include one or more contoured portions tofit a person's knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, back, etc., or may beadjustable (e.g., bendable, sizable, etc.) to fit a person's body orparts thereof. For example, a shoulder or elbow LED embodiment mayinclude an aluminum heat sink to absorb heat from the LEDs or otherelectronics while also providing a safety plate for the user. Suchheat-sink/plates may prolong the lifespan of the LEDs and otherelectronics by reducing the operating temperatures.

Motorcycles sometimes adjust speed through downshifting, versus usingonly actual brakes in order to activate the brake lights, along withother powered and human powered equipment—motorcycles, Bicycles, ATV's,etc. In an embodiment, a pre-braking alert system may be employed. Forexample, an indication of a downshift consistent with downshift breaking(e.g., downshifting with increased activation of an accelerator,downshifting while traveling downhill, etc.) may trigger an activationof brake lights or displays. In an embodiment, the pre-braking alertsystem may be integrated into lighting systems or articles of clothingdisclosed elsewhere herein. In an embodiment a pre-braking alert systemmay be an accessory to a lighting system disclosed herein. Embodimentsincluding pre-braking alert functionality may be employed in powered ornon-powered vehicles.

Regarding vehicles that decelerate, perhaps drastically, withoutphysically or manually applying the use of brakes, deceleration speedindicators (e.g., signals from a position or speed sensor, anacceleration sensor, etc.) may be used to activate the brake lighting orslow-down lighting warning indicators as an additional option to notifyapproaching vehicles from behind of sudden or quick stops prior toactual braking activated light safety lighting (e.g., brake lights).

In some situations motorcycles and other equipment may use enginecompression or downshifting to slow down. With bicycles, shifting downmay also radically reduce the speed of the equipment withoutnotification of the reduction of speed to those behind. In thissituation, the brake lights won't activate thus not activating andalerting those from behind the user as the vehicle is actually slowingdown through another speed reducing means (other than physicallyapplying the brakes).

In most motorcycles (for example) the reduction of speed may be drasticeven though the brakes won't have been applied until almost actuallystopped completely or in a low gear. The concern is getting rear endedor hit from behind because the converging driver from behind cannotdetermine if the motorcycle is actually slowing down or not. At night,this situation may become increasingly more difficult due to thedecreasing ability of depth perception thus increasing inaccuracies inthe human eye at night. These nighttime human eye errors would slowreaction time by slowing impulses to the muscles to react since novisual alert notification would be provided.

In an embodiment the reduction of speed and/or speed variations may bedetected, for example via GPS, engine compression deceleration sensors,clutch deceleration sensors, clutch sequenced downshifting sensors,transmission or engine RPM variations, radar or through decreasingspeedometer speed indicators/sensors. These sensors may be connected asan accessory to the vehicle directly or may be integrated into thearticle of clothing as a standalone and independent solution withBluetooth™ or other wireless capabilities or hardwired solutions as aninformation delivery system to initiate the brake lights or otherindicators prior to activating the brake lights and/or prior tophysically activating the braking mechanism.

Furthermore, speed reduction detection may be employed for skiers,runners, skateboarders, etc., via a GPS or acceleration detectionsystems to detect a reduction of speed and initiate warnings (e.g.,lights or symbols) in response thereto. In some embodiments, thresholdsmay be employed (e.g., deceleration thresholds, proximity thresholds,etc.) to determine when to active a speed reduction warning or collisionwarning (e.g., one or more lights or symbol displays indicating areduction of speed, alarms indicating a likely collision, etc.).

FIGS. 4 and 4A to 4F are a flow diagram of an example embodiment of auser-protection management routine or method 400 that may be employed byan article of clothing including embedded user-protection circuitry toprovide user-protection services. For convenience, the routine 400 willbe described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3. Theroutine or method 400 may be performed by embodiments other than thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 and the system 300 of FIG. 3. For convenience, theroutine or method 400 will be referred to as routine 400 in thisdescription.

The routine 400 may be provided by, for example, execution of theprotection device application manager 324 of FIG. 3, the controller 104of FIG. 1, etc., such as to provide user-protection and relatedservices.

The illustrated embodiment of the routine 400 begins at block 405, wherea request or other information is received. The routine continues toblock 410 to determine whether a received request or other informationis an indication that a wearer of an article of clothing is stopped,such as an indication from an accelerometer that the wearer is notmoving, a stop command, an indication received from a vehicle the weareris operating that the vehicle is stopped, etc. If so, the routine 400proceeds to block 412, to broadcast a stop signal (e.g., an indicationthat the wearer of the article of clothing is stopped, such as an imageof a stop sign on a display embedded in the article of clothing, aflashing red-light from one or more LEDs embedded in the article ofclothing, etc., such as discussed in more detail elsewhere herein). Theroutine proceeds from block 412 to block 490.

If it is determined that the received request or other information isnot an indication that a wearer of the article of clothing is stopped,the routine proceeds to block 415, where it is determined whether thereceived request or other information is an indication that the weareris slowing down or traveling slowly, such as a brake command, anindication received from a vehicle the wearer is operating that thevehicle is slowing down (e.g., a downshift), an indication from anaccelerometer that the wearer is moving below a threshold speed, etc. Ifso, the routine 400 proceeds to block 416, to optionally check otherindications of whether a wearer of the article of clothing is slowingdown or traveling below a threshold speed. The routine proceeds fromblock 416 to block 418. At block 418, the routine determines whether thereceiving indication and the other indications are consistent with aslowing down or slow speed of a wearer of the article of clothing. Forexample, if a brake command is received, the routine may determine thewearer is slowing down without regard to other indications, if anindication of a downshift is received, the routine may check whether anacceleration signal is consistent with slowing down, etc. When it isdetermined that the wearer of the article of clothing is slowing down ortraveling at a slow speed, the routine proceeds to block 419 tobroadcast a braking or slow signal (e.g., an indication that the wearerof the article of clothing is braking, such as a solid or flashing redimage on a display embedded in the article of clothing, a flashingred-light from one or more LEDs embedded in the article of clothing,etc., such as discussed in more detail elsewhere herein). The routineproceeds from block 419 to block 490. When it is determined at block 418that the wearer is not slowing down or traveling at a slow speed, theroutine proceeds to block 490.

If it is determined that the received request or other information isnot an indication that a wearer of the article of clothing is slowingdown or traveling at a slow speed, the routine proceeds to block 420,where it is determined whether the received request or other informationis a configuration request or configuration information. If so, theroutine 400 proceeds to block 421, to optionally present a configurationmenu. The routine proceeds to block 422 to receive configurationinformation, such as selections from a configuration menu, and to block423 to configure the system in accordance with the receivedconfiguration information. For example, a user may desire to select aparticular response to an indication of a slowing condition, may wish toenable synchronization of the system with user-protection systems ofother articles of clothing, may wish to select various modes ofoperation (e.g., walking mode, bicycling mode, motorcycling mode,traffic control mode, search and rescue mode, crowd control mode, etc.),may wish to return to a default configuration, etc., such as describedelsewhere herein. The routine proceeds from block 423 to block 490.

If it is determined that the received request or other information isnot a configuration request or configuration information, the routineproceeds to block 425 to determine whether the received request or otherinformation is an indication of an intended turn, such as a left turn ora right turn. If so, the routine 400 proceeds to block 427 to determinea direction of the turn and to block 429 to broadcast an indication ofan intended turn in the determined direction, such as displaying anarrow indicating the intended turn on a display embedded in the articleof clothing, etc. The routine proceeds from block 429 to block 490.

If it is determined that the received request or other information isnot an indication of an intended turn, the routine proceeds to block 430to determine whether the received request or other information is anindication of a hazard, such as an indication of an approaching vehicle,an indication of a stopped vehicle in a path of a wearer of the articleof clothing, an indication of an approaching foe, an indication that awearer is falling asleep, etc., as described elsewhere herein. If so,the routine 400 proceeds to block 432 to determine the nature of thehazard, and to block 434 to determine an appropriate warning signal tobroadcast to the wearer of the article of clothing based on thedetermined nature of the hazard. For example, if it is determined thatthe hazard is an approaching vehicle, the determined warning signal maybe a physical pulse, a location of the pulse may indicate a direction ofapproach, a rate of the pulse may indicate a speed of the approach, anda strength of the pulse may indicate whether evasive action should beconsidered. Silent warning signals may be employed to warn of anapproaching foe, noisy warning signals may be employed to warn ofinattentive operation of a vehicle, etc., as described elsewhere herein.Look-up tables and threshold values may be employed to determine thenature of a hazard and an appropriate warning signal. The routineproceeds from block 434 to block 436 to broadcast the determined warningsignal. The routine proceeds from block 436 to block 490.

If it is determined that the received request or other information isnot an indication of a hazard, the routine proceeds to block 440 todetermine whether the received request or other information isinstruction information, such as an instruction information to a policeofficer related to a location of a target in a crowd, traffic controlinformation, driving directions, etc., as discussed elsewhere herein. Ifso, the routine 400 proceeds to block 442 to determine the nature of theinstruction information, and to block 444 to determine an appropriatemanner to broadcast the instruction information to the wearer of thearticle of clothing based on the determined nature of the instructioninformation. For example, if it is determined that the information isrelated to a location of a target in a crowd to be provided to a policeofficer, the determined signaling may be a silent signal to notify thepolice officer without notifying the target. The received informationmay include other information or additional instructions, such aswhether to approach the target or monitor the target, etc. Look-uptables and threshold values may be employed to determine the nature ofinstruction information and an appropriate manner to broadcast theinstruction information to a wearer of the article of clothing, and/orto others, as the case may be. The routine proceeds from block 444 toblock 446 to broadcast the instruction information in the determinedmanner. The routine proceeds from block 446 to block 490.

If it is determined that the received request or other information isnot instruction information, the routine proceeds to block 450 toperform one or more other indicated operations as appropriate. Otheroperations may have various forms in various embodiments, such as one ormore of the following non-exclusive list: obtaining or updatinginformation used to provide various services provided by theuser-protection manager routine (e.g., error processing; time-outprocessing (e.g., timing out a selection window presented to a user);file maintenance; processing related to terminating a session; etc.After block 450, the routine continues to block 490 to determine whetherto continue, such as until an explicit termination instruction isreceived. If so, the routine returns to block 405, and if not theroutine continues to block 495 and ends.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the functionalityprovided by the routines discussed above may be provided in alternativeways, such as being split among more routines or consolidated into fewerroutines. Similarly, in some embodiments, illustrated routines mayprovide more or less functionality than is described, such as when otherillustrated routines instead lack or include such functionalityrespectively, or when the amount of functionality that is provided isaltered. In addition, while various operations may be illustrated asbeing performed in a particular manner (e.g., in serial or in parallel)and/or in a particular order, in other embodiments the operations may beperformed in other orders and in other manners. Similarly, datastructures (e.g., a data structure indicating an appropriate responsesignal to a received indication; a data structure indicating codescorresponding to friends; etc.) may be structured in various manners inother embodiments, such as by having a single data structure split intomultiple data structures or by having multiple data structuresconsolidated into a single data structure, and may store more or lessinformation than is described (e.g., when other data structures insteadlack or include such information respectively, or when the amount ortypes of information that is stored is altered).

Some embodiments may distribute various operations among variouscomponents in other manners. For example, in some embodiments anapplication on a local server may provide services to a user of auser-protection device via a smart phone (see, e.g., smart phone 160 ofFIG. 1) which is not executing a user-protection application.

Embodiments of methods of managing a user-protection device may containadditional acts not shown in FIGS. 4-4F, may not contain all of the actsshown in FIGS. 4-4F, may perform acts shown in FIGS. 4-4F in variousorders, and may be modified in various respects. For example, time-outroutines may be employed. For example, if at block 422 a user fails tomake a selection within a threshold time period, the method may proceedto act 490.

Some embodiments may take the form of or comprise computer programproducts. For example, according to one embodiment there is provided acomputer readable medium comprising a computer program adapted toperform one or more of the methods or functions described above. Themedium may be a physical storage medium such as for example a Read OnlyMemory (ROM) chip, or a disk such as a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD-ROM),Compact Disk (CD-ROM), a hard disk, a memory, a network, or a portablemedia article to be read by an appropriate drive or via an appropriateconnection, including as encoded in one or more barcodes or otherrelated codes stored on one or more such computer-readable mediums andbeing readable by an appropriate reader device.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, some or all of the methods and/orfunctionality may be implemented or provided in other manners, such asat least partially in firmware and/or hardware, including, but notlimited to, one or more application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs), digital signal processors, discrete circuitry, logic gates,standard integrated circuits, controllers (e.g., by executingappropriate instructions, and including microcontrollers and/or embeddedcontrollers), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complexprogrammable logic devices (CPLDs), etc., as well as devices that employRFID technology, and various combinations thereof. For example,embodiments of a article of clothing incorporating a display may beimplemented as discussed above (e.g., partially in hardware, partiallywith controllers executing instructions, etc.).

The various embodiments described above can be combined or split toprovide further embodiments. For example, a physical pulse notificationembodiment (e.g., a police discrete threat detection and notificationembodiment) may be provided alone, or in combination with a visualnotification embodiment (e.g., a traffic control embodiment). These andother changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions,which, when executed by control circuitry integrated into an article ofclothing, cause the control circuitry to perform a method, the methodcomprising: processing one or more indications related to an environmentof the article of clothing generated by condition-detection circuitryintegrated into the article of clothing; and activating, based on theprocessing of the one or more indications related to the environment ofthe article of clothing, pulsing circuitry integrated into the articleof clothing to pulse in a selected pattern of a plurality of patterns,wherein the plurality of patterns include patterns to indicate: locationinformation related to one or more individuals; movement informationrelated to one or more individuals; information related to one or morehazards in a vicinity of the wearer of the article of clothing;information providing instructions to the wearer of the article ofclothing; and information indicative of whether one or more individualshave been determined to be a friend or a foe of a wearer of the articleof clothing.
 2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the method comprises controlling communications via a wirelessinterface integrated into the article of clothing.
 3. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the method comprisesprocessing control signals received from a control terminal integratedinto the article of clothing and coupled to the control circuitry. 4.The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 2, wherein themethod comprises configuring the condition-detection circuitry and thepulsing circuitry based on control signals received via the wirelessinterface.
 5. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1,wherein the method comprises silently broadcasting information to awearer of the article of clothing.
 6. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the pulsing circuitryincludes one or more physical-impulse pulsers and the method comprisessilently broadcasts information to the wearer of the article of clothingby activating the one or more physical impulse pulsers.
 7. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein thecondition-detection circuit comprises: an accelerometer; abraking-condition sensor; a temperature sensor; a MEMS device; amicrophone; a switch; a pulse-detector; an image capture device; acommunication interface; or combinations thereof.
 8. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the method comprisescommunicatively coupling to circuitry integrated into a second articleof clothing.